Home Blog Page 526

How To Stay Stress-Free And Sleep Well Using Weighted Blankets?

By
Elizabeth Williams

Stress surely is a part of urban life. How much you try to keep stress out of life, it comes back with new styles and faces every time. Some stress can be handled without any issues, and a certain phase of life may be stress filled and may waive off with time, but in some cases, stress is a byproduct of your job and career, and cannot simply be kicked out. You have to cope up with it in the day to day life. In some cases, stress comes from your family life or the relationships in your life.

Then also you have little to do to get out of stress. That’s why stress has become a chronic problem in the lives of many and needs to be eased off as much as possible through several means. One of the best natural solutions to keep stress off is sleep. The better sleep you get, the better you can fight stress.

The relation between sleep and stress

Stress peaks up more when the body and mind do not get an adequate amount of rest. If you are not sleeping enough and not get sleep at a stretch through 6 to 8 hours, then stress can dominate you even more than usual. That’s because a tired brain and body cannot fight stress. A night of good sleep can reduce stress to a great extent, and that is why most medicines for stress are made to promote better sleep. Better sleep along with calmed down nerves help reduce stress. And natural methods are far better than medicines in promoting sleep. Hence the use of best weighted blankets for stress reduction and sleep promotion works.

Weighted blankets

If you are in stress, then you can try weighted blankets. Weighted blankets got their name for being built in a heavy way using glass beads throughout the blanket in the folds and pockets of the blanket in between well-sewn threads. The small organic noiseless glass beads add to the weight of the blanket and make the blanket heavy. And this weight of the blanket exerts a comfortable pressure on the body as you get inside it. The blanket material comforts the body while the beaded weight of the blanket presses the body so soft and comfortable that stress and anxiety get far off, and the mind can slowly doze off to sleep. And that is the beauty of weighted blankets.

They come in a variety of designs, weights, and materials. They can be made from mink or may be made from bamboo. The choice is on you. If you are a sleeper who sweats a lot at night or under a blanket, then bamboo is the best material for you to keep cool at summers and warm in winters. Also, bamboo fabric blankets can keep your body dry and sweat free.

Finally

Weighted blankets work wonder in helping you sleep faster and better. The weight of the blanket works like a charm in relaxing the body, and this relaxation reaches the mind in no time to lull you asleep.

Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome: Things to Understand

By
Elizabeth Williams

There is always an important scientific reason as to why some people are unable to sleep at night. The scientific term for this condition is the delayed sleep phase syndrome. It is a unique sleep disorder within your body, in which the body clock is unable to function in a proper manner. The main problem, which is associated with this syndrome, is that people find it extremely difficult to get up in the morning when everyone is ready for their regular activities. This is one of the most common syndromes that are affecting the teenagers as well as young adults. Doctors can advise you to go through the sleep disorder test and understand if you are going through this syndrome.

What is the delayed sleep phase syndrome?

Circadian rhythm is a common term, which most of the people have heard about. It is related to when you are falling asleep and when you are waking up. This circadian rhythm is considered to be a part of the natural clock of your body, which is capable of regulating wakefulness and sleepiness.

People who have a delayed sleep phase syndrome do not have the proper circadian rhythm. They remain wide awake even after going to bed and they tend to remain tired for almost the rest of the day. According to www.universityhealthnews.com, 15% of the total adolescents are known to go through this syndrome. Various studies have suggested that this syndrome is the result of the over adjustment of the change of the circadian rhythms, which normally starts after an individual hits puberty.

Symptoms associated with the syndrome

It is true that it can be a conscious decision of staying up late, texting or talking over the phone, watching TV, fidgeting with your phone for a long time, but you need to understand that the teenagers who have the syndrome are fighting the natural desire of the body to get the required amount of sleep. A common symptom, which is associated with this condition, is the inability of falling asleep at the normal time. This is normally accompanied by poor sleep, which also involves the difficulty of waking up or results in daytime sleepiness.

There is no other problem that is associated with this syndrome. Even if you were suffering from this condition, you are going to sleep fine as soon as you are falling asleep. The only problem that you are going to face is that you will not receive enough sleep, which is mandatory to keep yourself healthy.

Treatment of this syndrome

It is true that this syndrome has no cure but this condition can be managed in an effective manner by taking the assistance of the light therapy. It is crucial that you are exposed to bright light in the daytime and dim the lighting for restoring the circadian rhythms.

Conclusion

If your school or work starts late and you are getting enough sleep, this syndrome is not going to be a problem. However, if the syndrome is interfering with the daily routine that you have, it is crucial that you consult with a sleep specialist for managing it.

HOW TO INCULCATE LET-GO ATTITUDE FOR A PEACEFUL LIFE

By
Elizabeth Williams

People from all walks of life must have the art of letting go the negative feelings and bring back happiness in life. The intensity of this notion has been on a hike in the current era. The J-curve in the number of depressed people in the world is the reason behind it. It might be surprising for you that more than 300 million minds of the world are suffering from this disease-depression. It is the data as per the reports of the World Health Organization.

Not only this, 50% of people who are diagnosed with depression also get anxiety disorder. WHO, as per the survey and reports are subjected to give the figure of the adult population who will fall in this well of depressed life which is 15%.

It’s time to have quick actions to change the entire scenario of the world. One of the reasons for depression in adults is holding onto the past. Keeping thinking of the past events or even holding into positive events prove to be damaging because they set boundaries for the future.

This article, you would come to know the most effective way of dealing with negative emotions and stress. It is letting go of things.

  1. Pause, Check and Change

The best thing you can do to shift your thinking patterns is first knowing the thoughts that are captivating your mind. Every time you feel that something not well is happening or you are not getting good vibes, feeling anxious or down in the mouth, then it is time you need to stop and pause. Identifying the quality of the thoughts and changing them is what you need to do.

  1. You are not here in the world to hold grudges

You get a life once, why to waste it holding grudges.

Why keep thinking of the people whom you don’t like? Will it serve you in any way? The answer is no.

You have to forgive the person for your peace of mind. Forgiveness will prove a freeing act for your mind. Think of your aims and life goals which require all your efforts and energy. Why waste it ruminating in holding onto anger.

Yes, you need to think and wisely choose your actions!

  1. Think it’s only you

One person who is responsible for your happiness is you. You hold no rights in blaming someone else for your discomfort or off mood. You have the steering of your life’s car yesterday, today and tomorrow.

It is you who need to take responsibility of every thought you create and every emotion you feel. So, why not to interpret events and other life situations in a positive way always. You are strong enough to fade the memories of the past events, have a sense of peace and gratitude.

  1. Give yourself unconditional love

It is one of the toughest and the most uncommon task people do. Yes, you read it right. Many people love others in their life, but the number of people who actually love themselves is low. One can love others only when he/she loves himself/herself. In order to give something to others, we need to have a stock of it. So, it is the need of the hour to start taking your own feelings and emotions seriously, acknowledging them and working towards their betterment. Remember one thing; self-love is not being selfish.

  1. Regularly watch motivational videos

We eat and drink daily, the same way we need to get some inspirational words or watch something to boost your confidence. You need to lift your life rather than just spending it on the price of spinach when you are given a diamond. The words and experience of the people will let you reshape your thoughts, and start a new life.

  1. Believe there is nothing to fear

Don’t you want to feel free? Yes? It is completely fine to wait for the perfect time to come.

Time is the best present one can be given; God has even it to you. In this context, the biggest mistake one can commit is take time for granted. Many professors, and the ones offering English homework help to the students believe in respecting time as we respect our money. You have time to do something really good for yourself and your loved ones. Why waste it thinking why he left you after 5 long years of relationship? Why waste your thinking of the future and the job you have been laid off? Is it important to think of the semester where you scored less marks in your assignment writing task?

Summary of the article- Make a plan and act, don’t wait.

3 Reasons Why Your Oxygen Level is Low

By
Elizabeth Williams

Having low oxygen levels means trouble for your body. When the body does not have the right amount of oxygen, one could experience hypoxia and hypoxemia, which means having low oxygen in your tissues and having low oxygen in your blood, respectively. Yes, our blood contains oxygen, and it is essential in keeping the organs and tissues in our body healthy and fully functional.

So when there is not enough oxygen in your system, your brain and the rest of your organs can be damaged, even irreversibly, within minutes once the symptoms start.

Warning Signs to Look Out For

Symptoms may vary from person to person, but hypoxia and hypoxemia can yield common symptoms, including shortness of breath, rapid breathing, slow or fast heart rate, sweating, coughing, wheezing, skin color changes, and confusion. If you experience any of these symptoms, call emergency help right away.

Causes of Low Blood Oxygen Levels

To prevent hypoxia and hypoxemia, it’s best to first know what causes these conditions in order to avoid them. Your doctor can tell you a number of reasons your blood is not getting enough oxygen.

1.Severe asthma attack

An asthma attack or a flare is a common cause of hypoxia in both adults and kids. When an attack occurs, the airways of the lungs start to narrow, making it difficult for air to get into your lungs. This is also aggravated when you cough to clear your lungs, as you end up using even more oxygen in the process.

To prevent an asthma attack, try to avoid triggers or substances that you are allergic to as much as possible. It’s also highly important to take your maintenance medications religiously and to use your peak flow meter often.

2. Lung conditions

There is a wide variety of lung diseases that can reduce your blood oxygen levels, which includes chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary edema, and pneumonia. Since these diseases inhibit airflow to the lungs causing difficulty in breathing, this puts the patient at risk for developing hypoxia and affecting the organs of the body.

Lung disease such as COPD is a chronic condition, but while you may experience the symptoms on an ongoing basis, they are still considered a medical emergency. If you are diagnosed with the condition and are experiencing severe difficulty in breathing, call your local emergency services as soon as possible. During admission, your doctor will measure your blood oxygen levels through a Nellcor DS 100A oxygen sensor and apply the necessary interventions right away.

3. Heart disease

There are several factors that determine how well your cells and tissues are supplied with oxygen. First; the air in your environment should have enough oxygen. Second; your lungs should be able to inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide without trouble. And third; your bloodstream should have no trouble circulating blood to the lungs and delivering oxygen throughout your system, which is usually the problem for people with a cardiovascular disease.

To prevent the loss of oxygen in the blood for heart disease patients, it is important to seek emergency medical help when experiencing symptoms like chest pain, fainting, and shortness of breath. It is easier to reverse the damage caused by heart disease the earlier the condition is treated.

Aside from these health conditions, there are other factors that may lead to low oxygen levels in your blood and tissues. It could be due to strong pain medications, cyanide poisoning, and anemia.

To know your condition better and to figure out the right interventions to make, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with your doctor. And if you are diagnosed with the above conditions, don’t wait for the symptoms to subside and seek emergency care at all costs.

4 Athletes Who Came Out of Injury Rehab Stronger Than Ever

By
Elizabeth Williams

Whatever physical activities or sports you may enjoy participating in, one thing that can curtail your participation is suffering an injury. Most times this will be something minor, such as blisters, sprains, and strains but there is also the possibility that an injury can be much more severe. What we mean by that is an injury so serious that it requires long term treatment and rehabilitation.

Thankfully, if such a traumatic event were to happen, the advancement in modern medicine means your recovery can be quicker and complete. There are also centers which specialize in rehabilitative treatments and therapies for both amateur and competitive athletes. One of the most respected of these is www.greaterbostonperformancecare.com, whose specialist chiropractic, neurology, and musculature treatments have enabled countless athlete’s injuries to heal to the point where they can return to peak performance.

Some of the stories in relation to recovering from serious injury are very inspiring. Some come from professional athletes, and others from amateur participants. In both cases, there may be different things at stake, in terms of a sports career, versus the ability to participate in a hobby again. Regardless of what the goal of recovery may have been, the bravery, persistence, and determination to heal and rehabilitate are impressive in all cases.

To give you some insight into these we are going to tell the stories of four individuals who have experienced a serious injury and recovered from it. If these stories do nothing else, they should give you the hope and confidence that should you ever be unfortunate enough to suffer a similar injury, the road to recovery, can have a positive destination.

Brittany Mosier – Soccer

While playing in a Memorial Day tournament Brittany Mosier was about to turn and tackle an opponent when an excruciating pain in her knee left her on the ground screaming in agony. She was carried off the field in shock and a couple of days later an MRI scan revealed that she had torn her crucial ligament.

She told her soccer coach that she was determined to play again and attended every training session. She was jealous of her teammates playing but it gave her the drive and increased motivation to recover. And recover she did, following months of specialist treatment to build the muscles around her knee in order to prevent a further ACL injury.

After seven months the day came when she could join her teammates once again for a soccer match. Her injury was in the back of her mind, but it didn’t stop her. It also means she appreciates every training and conditioning session as much as each soccer match. Her advice to anyone who suffers from an ACL is to ‘Never give up’.

Peyton Manning – American Football

Anyone who follows the NFL, and indeed even some who don’t, will have heard of quarterback Peyton Manning. What they may not know is how he recovered from serious injury to reach the top of his sport for a second time. Manning was one of the most respected quarterbacks in the NFL, with a Superbowl win, pro-bowl wins, passing yards records, and numerous MVP awards, all achieved while playing with the Indianapolis Colts.

Then in 2011, he suffered serious injuries to his neck muscles and also required spinal fusion surgery. He was out of action for 12 months, and many sports commentators suggested he had played his last game. But Manning was having none of it and went through intense rehabilitation to get to the point where he could attempt to throw a football again.

Despite all his efforts to reach full fitness, the Colts released him, and in 2012 he signed with the Denver Broncos. The Colts loss was the Broncos gain, as Manning proceeded to not only reach his previous performance levels, he exceeded them. He broke further passing records, and in January 2016, 5 years after many had written him off, Peyton Manning won his second Superbowl, in what would be the final, triumphant game of his career.

Brian O’Driscoll – Rugby Union

If we were to list the records and accolades that former Irish rugby union player Brian O’Driscoll has, we could run to several pages. However, there may not have been any, had he not sought rehabilitation for a serious injury he suffered to his shoulder in 2005. The tackle which injured him was known as the ‘spear tackle’, and it dislocated O’Driscoll’s shoulder. Such was the outcry that followed, the International Rugby Board outlawed that type of tackle thereafter.

O’Driscoll recalls that at the time of the tackle, he thought he was about to break his neck, and die. Thankfully, he didn’t, although it was still serious enough to require surgery, several stitches, and over 6 months of rehabilitation. When he returned to playing duties, O’Driscoll went on to have one of the most successful careers any rugby union player could have.

For his club side, Leinster, he won 3 Celtic League titles and 3 Heineken European Cups. With Ireland, he captained them to win the 6 Nations Championship twice, including a grand slam in 2009, has the second most international appearances in the world, and he holds the record for the most tries scored in the 6 Nations Championship.

Sophie Caldwell- Skiing

To suffer one broken elbow might be a huge setback for someone for whom skiing is their sport but imagine if you were to break both elbows in two separate incidents. Wouldn’t that be devastating? For Sophie Caldwell that is exactly what happened to her, and the worst of it was, one of the breaks occurred when she was mountain biking, not skiing.

Although the pain she suffered from the elbow breaks was painful, what hurt Sophie most was that she could not train or prepare for future skiing events in the way she wanted to, while she was going through her rehabilitation. To help her overcome the disappointment Sophie would set herself little mini-goals so that each part of her recovery became a victory, no matter how small the progress was.

The amazing thing was that these small gains seemed to accelerate her recovery and her rehabilitation took her quickly back to the condition she was in before her injuries. So much so that in 2015 she became the first American female to win a classic sprint World Cup ski event.

TOP-5 IDEAS FOR VALENTINE’S DAY

By
Elizabeth Williams
valentine day

Winter is the most romantic season of the year. There is no doubt that, as first you meet Christmas with its cozy home atmosphere, sweet gifts and warm words, and then people make marriage proposals under the sky lit by New Year’s fireworks. The main pearl of the winter holiday season is Valentine’s Day.

This is the day for all hearts in love, no matter how old you are. This holiday is a wonderful opportunity to get closer to your loved one, to show attention, care and just have a good time together. We sincerely hope you’ve already found your love and will celebrate this wonderful winter holiday with your beloved one. If you’re still alone and going to spend this magic time on your own, it is time for you to try the most reputable online dating site and stop feeling yourself lonely. Ok, enough talking, let’s get it!

We have prepared TOP-5 Ideas for Valentine’s Day for you to make your beloved one happy.

1.Romantic meals

On Valentine’s Day the main thing is to show your attention and care, and it is not necessary to spend a lot of money. You’d better create a truly romantic atmosphere and please your loved one with delicious dishes.

It is well known that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. So, make a small pizza or omelet in the shape of a heart to make him smile from the very morning.  You can find lots of romantic recipes for Valentine’s ideas on the Internet. Choose the ones you like and be ready for experiments.

Also it is possible to make a toothsome dessert. You can say that it’s as sweet and tasty as your love is. For a dessert you may choose cupcakes, cakes, pies – anything that is delicious and reminds about the holiday. If you are far from being a master chef, then it is easy to order any possible kind of a dessert from a bakery or confectionery.

Don’t forget about chocolate. Chocolate is one of the most delicious sweets in the world. It doesn’t leave any sweet tooth indifferent, while the original presentation delights even men. The confectionery shops will help you to make handmade candies or even a whole heart of chocolate, which, of course, will be very symbolic and nice to get as Valentine’s Day gifts.

  1. Dreams come true

Do on this day something you have been dreaming of for a long time. It could be anything: balloon flight (Oh, how romantic!), skydiving (imagine how great it will be to enjoy the wonderful views of the surrounding area together, holding hands), flying in a wind tunnel or horseback riding. In our opinion, these are really great Valentine’s Day ideas for him! And to tell the truth, most men don’t get excited when receiving a red soft heart as a present. That’s why you should organize something that gives a dose of adrenaline. Plus, once you’ve tried it, you’ll probably want to repeat all of these things again, even though you’ve only dreamed of them before.

  1. Double, triple and quadruple date

Thinking of Valentine’s Day date ideas, why don’t you just celebrate this day with your friends? Especially if your company consists entirely of married couples!

At first, gather with your girls and work on a plan of the party. Think what contests to organize, what food and drinks to prepare, what must be the dress-code of the party. Be creative! You can first arrange a competition between a team of boys and team of girls and then switch to the contests for couples. Competitions can be different, depending on your imagination and the number of people.

For example, cut the big hearts with Valentine’s greeting into small pieces and distribute to the teams, who collect their heart faster is a winning team. After that, you can order a lot of yummy food from the restaurant or simply go there with all your funny and noisy company. Just order a meal or book a table in advance because everything is usually busy and reserved on this day.

  1. Dancing all night long

If you and your sweetheart are considered good dancers, and you get great pleasure from the beautiful movements of your body to the music, one of the best Valentine’s Day ideas is to go to a dance class or something of the kind.
In addition, you can arrange a dance evening at home, choosing a disc with your favorite music, preparing delicious drinks, and dancing all night long in the company of your beloved one. At home, your dances may get really hot and lead to something very special.

  1. Sexy fancy-dress game

A bit of role-playing games will always add some spice to your intimate life, and it doesn’t matter, whether you are already a married couple or those who just start dating. To experience a really memorable night, you have to work a little on the script (for example, your man will be a wounded soldier, and you – a sexy nurse, or you will be a couple consisting of an irresistible robber and a hot police girl). For this party, you need to buy or make some costumes and pick up all the necessary accessories. And in order to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the role-playing game, you can rent a room in some hotel.

V-day gifts are inseparable part of this romantic holiday. But it is not an easy task to please your loved one with something more than a banal box of candies or a soft toy. Sometimes our creativity goes away and we badly need a good suggestion. To help you in this challenging task, we have prepared a list of the most interesting Valentine’s Day gifts for her:

  1. Fruit bouquet will make the evening juicy!

A fruit bouquet will be an ingenious gift, which is a good alternative to an ordinary bunch of flowers. Beautiful, original, delicious and healthy version of the bouquet has already won a great popularity. Your girl will not have to throw your bouquet in a couple of days; she will just eat your tasty gift. Alternatively, you can feed each other with fruits from the bouquet, while sharing a bottle of good champagne. After all, everyone loves fruit, and the beauty of such bouquets is fascinating. 

2.Gold or silver jewelry

Traditionally, the most popular of the Valentine’s Day gifts for her is jewelry (pendant, necklace, bracelet, ring or earrings). Any girl will be excited with this kind of present. But, be careful, you must know the tastes of your girl or you may choose jewelry with her. Remember, you can give a ring on Valentine’s Day only if you are going to make a marriage proposal.

  1. Coffee or tea set

This gift will be appreciated by tea or coffee fans.  There are lots of unique and cute sets of cups with a coffee or a tea pot. It is healthy, tasty and can be transformed into a small tradition for the two of you – to drink tea or coffee together at weekends, for example.

  1. Flowers

Our list of Valentine’s gift ideas for her would be incomplete without the number one of all times – flowers. It is not necessary to give roses, which for many are associated with love. Give a kind of flowers that your woman loves. Maybe she is crazy about eco-friendly way of life, so you can give her a flower pot with an orchid or any other blossoming flower instead of a bunch of roses. Such present will last very long and always remind about your feelings.

But not only fairer sex gets surprises on Valentine’s Day. It is a holiday for both, that’s why here you can find some good ideas of Valentine’s Day gifts for him:

  1. A ticket for a quest-tour or a guestroom

Sitting in a café or going to the cinema is still a good variant for a date on Valentine’s. But it is much more interesting to go a quest room and solve a funny puzzle together. If you spend a bit more time and effort, it is even better to arrange a quest around the city. Guys love adventures. Prepare an interesting reward at the end of the quest.

  1. A magical box of wishes

If you look for cute homemade Valentine’s Day gifts, here is the one you need. Fill the jar with sweets in the shape of hearts and notes for your beloved one. Sample of notes: “Certificate for back massage”, “10 kisses”, “Breakfast in bed” and so on. The notes can also tell about your love and respect: “I am so happy that the Lord has given me such a wonderful husband as you.” Roll up each note and tie with a band. He will appreciate your creativity.

  1. A book

A book is a universal and appropriate gift even for Valentine’s Day. It is important to know the tastes and favorite authors of your man. In the end, an e-book can also be a gift.

  1. High-tech gifts

Most of men, even if their work is not related to technologies, appreciate the practicality and convenience, that’s in their nature. That is why, even if your young man is not keen on technology, various gadgets that make life easier, can still be a great gift for him. For example, it may be a USB-lamp, portable speakers, lunchbox, which warms up lunch itself, a mouse pad, “smart” watch – there are lots of options you can choose from, considering every taste and any budget.

There are some more tips to follow on the Valentine’s Day, as even the smallest trifle can spoil the whole romantic evening.

  1. Be creative!

Remember how you met each other and what was that starting point when you realized that you found your love. No matter how you get to know her. Maybe you were spending nights chatting online on different dating sites. Then you found her and finally arranged a meeting. Or maybe your meeting wasn’t ever arranged and you’ve met by a happy coincidence. Anyway, be creative and try to use this experience to bring new feelings to the Valentines day!

  • Don’t be late. Try to plan your day so that your soul-mate does not spend two hours alone in the restaurant, while you listen to the lecture of the chief about getting the ratings the company up in the eyes of the consumer (or whatever he wants to talk about).
  • Even if your significant other does not share the excitement of all these pink Valentine heartsand sweets, it should not affect your relationship. Don’t push on her or him. Remember that many men – many minds.
  • Avoid standards. Surf the Internet in search of something special. Your partner will appreciate the effort, be sure.
  • Don’t overdo it with an expensive gift. Perhaps your chosen one has prepared something symbolic and he/she will be embarrassed because you give something really costly.
  • Do not compare this holiday with the previous ones. Otherwise, there is a chance to spoil your mood simply because this year it was not as pompous as the one before.
  • Book a restaurant in advance. Believe us, it will be busy almost everywhere. And you can destroy your romantic evening simply searching for a free space.
  • Show sincere care and attention. After all, the warmth of the heart can never be replaced by an expensive bouquet or a diamond ring.

Conclusion

To put it in a nutshell, I shall say that there is no matter how you find your love: there can be various situations and places, for example, online world where you chat with ladies, or sitting in a café and meet her and fall in love at first sight… Anyway, there cannot be the best place and situation for you to find the love of your life! It’s all about the frame of mind that magnetize you toward each other. The greater the passion that you have for someone, the greater the likelihood that you’ll find a strong connection with someone.

And we want to remind one more time: it is a day of LOVE. So, juts give your love to your soul-mate!

8 Ways Emotionally Intelligent People Handle Toxic People Successfully

By
Riley Cooper

Throughout the course of life, we meet all kinds of people. Some help us grow and lead a happy, meaningful, successful life, while others drag us down and stand in the way to our happiness and success. The latter are toxic.

Narcissists, Negative Nancies, complainers, manipulators, and liars are probably the best representatives of this kind of people. Yes, they come in all shapes and sizes and they all defy logic.

One thing’s for sure – when a toxic person enters your life, it means only thing – chaos. They can easily get under your skin and they know plenty of ways to manipulate you so as to get what they want from you.

If you’ve ever come across them (and I’m sure you have), then you must have noticed how hard it is to handle them. The truth is that dealing with such people requires emotional intelligence.

People who possess high levels of it are able to control their feelings and stay calm under pressure. Not only does this prevent them from feeling stressed out and mentally exhausted when they’re in the company of toxic people, who are undoubtedly one of the greatest sources of stress, but it also helps them to neutralize them more easily.

Here’s how they do it:

1. They stay aware of their emotions.

To maintain emotional detachment, emotionally intelligent people stay aware of their emotions. This helps them remain calm when dealing with toxic people.

By staying aware of the emotions they’re feeling and the reason why they’re feeling them, they prevent toxic people from causing negative feelings and reactions in them.

2. They set boundaries.

There’s a fine line between listening to someone’s problems and getting sucked into their downward, destructive emotional spiral, and emotionally intelligent people are perfectly aware of this.

They distance themselves completely from anyone that they see as a threat to their efforts to remain productive. However, when dealing with a difficult, negative person, they don’t exit the conversation in a rude or offensive way, but they make themselves clear in a calm, polite manner.

3. They only focus on solutions, not problems.

The more you focus on the toxic person and the negative feelings they provoke in you, the more stressed and anxious you feel and the more power you give them over you.

That’s why instead of thinking about how negative and insufferable some toxic person is,  emotionally intelligent people think about how they’re going to deal with them as quickly and successfully as they possibly can.

4. They rise above the situation.

Since toxic people defy logic, you should never allow yourself to emotionally respond to their behavior and get sucked into their trap.

So, instead of playing their devious mind games or reacting to the emotional chaos, focus only on the facts and distance yourself emotionally from them.

5. They forgive but they don’t forget.

They forgive those that have betrayed their trust or hurt their feelings because they don’t want to carry feelings of resentment, bitterness, or hatred.

However, they never give someone a second chance to manipulate them again and they remember the way they were tricked, lied to, or hurt. In this way, they protect themselves from any potential future harm.

6. They neutralize negative self-talk.

Feeling bad about the way someone behaves towards you is one thing and having negative thoughts about yourself is another.

Negative self-talk is unrealistic, needless, and self-defeating and it can only intensify the negativity and weaken your confidence and self-esteem. Therefore, you should avoid it at all costs.

7. They rely on their support system.

If you want to handle toxic people quickly and successfully, you need to recognize the shortcomings in your approach to them. This means that you need to be willing to rely on someone who wants and is ready to help you deal with challenging people, be it a family member, a friend, a co-worker, or your partner.

The thing is that a person who is not as emotionally invested in the situation as you are can offer you a solution and a new, objective perspective on the situation. So, identify these people in your life and don’t be ashamed to ask for their insight, help, and support.  

8. They get enough sleep.

Lack of sleep increases your stress levels even when you’re not faced with any life stressor. On the other hand, good quality sleep improves your self-control, memory, and attention. It also makes you feel calmer, more positive and creative, and it offers you the perspective you need to handle toxic people successfully.

7 Ways To Stop Your Newsfeed From Psychologically Destroying You

By
Riley Cooper

The last two weeks have been awful when it comes to the content that has been coming across my newsfeed. The news got from bad to worse day by day and it was impossible not to get affected by it.

Every single day, we are being hit hard by vile imagery and stories about all kinds of tragedies happening all around the world, from earthquakes and floods to terroristic attacks.

But isn’t our life already stressful enough so as to make it even more difficult by absorbing all kinds of devastating news on a daily basis?

Don’t we all care about the world we live in and want to make it a better place?

Well, the truth is that our lives will hardly get less stressful and we’ll hardly make positive changes in the world if we’re being constantly exposed to disturbing, tragic, or traumatizing news.

Yes, bad things happen around us every day, but that doesn’t mean that we have to allow that to destroy us mentally and emotionally.

So, here are 7 ways to stop your newsfeed from psychologically destroying you:

1. Stick to your daily routines.

No matter how sad or tragic news you come across, your life shouldn’t be affected so much that you begin to break your usual routines.

Give your body everything it needs to function properly – eat healthy food, get enough quality sleep, exercise regularly, and, of course, don’t forget to have fun.

2. Make a distinction between being immersed and being informed.

Just because you want to know what’s going on in the world, it doesn’t mean you have to be immersed into your Facebook or Twitter feed 24/7.  

Don’t bother to read every news that pops up in front of you and don’t just focus on the dramatic, tragic news. Instead, take a break from all the information you encounter every day and focus more on the good news.

3. Feel all the feelings.

Don’t suppress the negative feelings. Instead, let them flow through your body. And don’t dwell on them, too, because this will leave you less prepared to handle problems or connect with others.

Remember that feelings come and go – they don’t define who you are.

4. Don’t be passive – take action.

Regardless of how much the situation appears out of your control, you can always act somehow. And you don’t have to do anything huge. Even a small action, such as making a donation, writing a letter, or taking part in a get-together in the place where you live can bring about a big change.

Remember that feeling powerless and remaining passive fuel anxiety and I’m sure this is something you don’t want to go through.

5. Stay optimistic.

Obsessing about things that are beyond your control is like a poison to your mind. So, instead of focusing on things you can’t control or fix, focus on what you can.

Increase your levels of positive emotions and energy by spending time with people you love and that make you happy and doing things that bring you a sense of joy and fulfillment.

Remember, maintaining your sense of optimism enables you to create more opportunities while pessimism prevents you from it.

6. Reach out to others.

Don’t withdraw into yourself but connect with other people with whom you share a concern about what is happening in your town, country, and the world.

Talk to people whom you know may be going through a rough time now, especially those who belong to marginalized or vulnerable communities. Offer them your help and support and let them know that you as well as many others care about them.

7. Talk to your children too.

Don’t allow sad, traumatizing news to destroy the pure, innocent image they have of the world. Don’t let bad news make them fear the world.

Instead, talk with them about their fears or whatever is bothering them and spark their compassion. Support their dreams and envision together a better world.

Self-Care Is Not All About Enjoying Your Life – Here’s What It Really Means

By
Riley Cooper

Contrary to what many people think, self-care is not an easy and pleasant thing.

It’s actually putting a lot of time and effort into creating a life you enjoy living.

It’s no longer running from your problems, but trying your best to face and overcome them.

Oftentimes self-care means doing the most unpleasant, ugliest things that you have to do, such as telling a narcissistic, selfish friend that you don’t want them to be part of your life anymore, or leaving a toxic relationship, or getting a second job so that you can make more savings, or accepting your mistakes and failures as a part of you.

Self-care often means embracing and cherishing yourself the way you are so that you don’t constantly feel exhausted from trying to be someone you are not and meeting other people’s expectations.

It means promising yourself that you’ll no longer try to please everyone and let others tell you what to say or do or how you should lead your life. It means promising yourself and showing determination to be the master of your own life.

Unfortunately, we live in a society where ‘self-care’ has become a trendy topic like it’s some kind of a luxury or something we do only when we feel exhausted and want to relieve ourselves from the pressure we’re faced with every day.

But that’s absurd.

Because self-care is not luxury. Self-care is not making yourself your favorite cake or going to a spa or going shopping whenever you feel stressed. Self-care is not just pampering yourself.

Self-care is trying your best and being consistent in your efforts to create a life you enjoy living. A life you don’t feel the need to often escape from.

Self-care means looking your deepest insecurities, fears, and failures right into the eye and overcoming them. It’s resisting life’s temptations. It’s not immediately satisfying your desires. It’s letting go of people who drag you down and stand in the way to your happiness and success.

It’s meeting and gaining trust in new people. It’s taking risks and accepting challenges. It’s making compromises. It’s disappointing other people, including your loved ones, but also making sacrifices for others.

Self-care is living your life the way other people don’t. It’s living your life the way you want without worrying about what others might think and say about it.

It’s always being honest with yourself and others as well, even if that means you won’t be liked by everyone.

It’s accepting your negative emotions, not running from them.

It’s changing your goals.

It’s fighting your anxious thoughts and not allowing them to affect the quality of your life.

It’s no longer using your hectic life as justification for procrastination.

It’s spending more time taking care of yourself than “fixing your flaws”.

It’s always being true to yourself and living by your own standards and rules, not by someone else’s.

It’s not depending on others for your happiness.

It’s becoming the person you want to be and creating a life for yourself that is meaningful, fulfilling, and enjoyable.

This Goes To The Girl Who Cares Too Much About Everyone – It’s Time You Started Taking Care Of Yourself

By
Riley Cooper

This one is for you.

You, the girl who always cares too much about everyone else but yourself.  

You, the girl whose soul is pure and whose heart is so big that it can gather all the love in the world.

You, the girl who knows no other way to live than giving yourself to others.

You wish you wouldn’t care and feel so deeply. You wish you wouldn’t open your heart to everyone who appears in your life.

You wish you wouldn’t get so upset and sad when you see tragic or violent scenes on the TV.

You wish you didn’t have this “weakness”.

But caring deeply is not a weakness. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. So, stop seeing it as a flaw and apologizing for it.

Stop listening to people when they tell you: “You care too much. You worry about everything. You’re too emotional. You need to change”. Because those same people will take advantage of it.

You don’t need to change.

You need to always be yourself.

Maybe you are the girl that thinks twice before she speaks. Maybe you overanalyze every message before you send it, making sure you say exactly what is on your mind.

Maybe you’re the girl that gives her heart away without expecting anything in return. Maybe you spend hours listening to someone vent their feelings even though you’re too tired and have many other tasks to fulfill.

Maybe you are the girl that has always cared too much, putting other people’s feelings, opinions, needs, and wishes before her own. And maybe it’s high time you stopped apologizing for that.

What you need to understand is that there will always be those who will try to change you. But you don’t have to be sorry or apologize for who you are.

You don’t have to apologize for texting your friends first, for calling your boyfriend when you haven’t heard from him for a while and want to ensure he’s okay, for being the girl that is always ready to jump in and spend time with others and help solve other people’s problems.

You don’t have to apologize for giving others your undivided attention when they pour their heart out to you, for wearing your heart on your sleeve, and wanting to be there for others when they need you.

You don’t have to apologize for loving him so deeply, passionately, and unconditionally because you know no other way to love. Because your heart is big and your soul is pure.

You don’t have to apologize for all the great help and support you give others because this is in your nature. Because this is who you are. Because you care.

I know you’re trying hard to make sense of all of this. You’re trying to understand why someone you’ve been so good to and cared so much about would lie to you and cut you out of their life like you were a worn-out puppet.

You’re trying to understand why someone you’ve loved wholeheartedly and unconditionally would take you for granted and break your heart.

You’re trying to understand why despite all the time and effort you put in making others happy, you end up heartbroken every time.

But don’t try to make excuses for them and justify their behavior. The way other people behave towards you doesn’t define who you are. Just because they’re unable to genuinely love and care about someone as you do, it doesn’t mean you’re “too emotional,” or “too sensitive,” or “weak”.

You need to understand that while caring about other people is great, it’s not your responsibility to tend to everyone else’s emotions, needs, and problems. It’s not your job to fix others.

You need to understand that saying NO to things you don’t want to do or choosing to stay at home by yourself instead of going out with your friends doesn’t make you  selfish or arrogant.

You need to understand that just because you are the one everyone goes to when they need help, it doesn’t mean you need to help them right away or neglect your own problems. It doesn’t mean you don’t need help as well.

You need to understand that you’re important and that you owe yourself the same amount of kindness, compassion, patience, respect, love, and dignity you give everyone else.

You need to understand that self-care is as important as caring about others. 

You need to take care of your own feelings, needs, wishes, and problems. You need to put yourself first on your list of priorities and stop thinking that taking care of yourself is selfish.

You owe it to yourself to take care of your mental, emotional, and physical health and make yourself happy. Because nobody else will do that for you.

You need to devote time to yourself so that you can put your thoughts together, recharge your batteries, and see where you want to be in life.

You need to stop being ashamed of your pure, big heart and find love in it for yourself instead.

You need to stop being everyone’s savior and protector, especially when you have yourself to save.

1...525526527...709Page 526 of 709

Follow us on Instagram @curiousmindmagazine

© Curiousmindmagazine 2015